The Dallas, TX news stations and papers have been talking about all the good things people are donating. They also need crayons, coloring books, games, etc. for the young children. This might be something to keep in mind when we are giving to the charity of our choice.
Sherry Starr
I gave one man something better!
We had close to 500 evacuees come to El Paso. Our family decided to "adopt" one, and I went to the shelter to see who I could find. This after my son watched them on the news, and said, "They're living like they're homeless". Okay, he's 14 and hasn't been through much. I guess the shock and the reality didn't set in for him.
This sweet Creole man I brought home had sent his wife and grandson out of town but had decided to ride out the storm to protect their property. He was born in New Orleans and lived there all of his life, although he has travelled the country as a musician. Poor man was so distraught he couldn't remember the names of any extended family not living in NO. I managed to get the name of his mother-in-law, and from that started combing the lists of evacuees. There are several lists, and it wasn't easy. It would have been a lot quicker if I'd had one list, but I was persistant. I had to drive him back to the shelter last night (they have a curfew), but I kept searching the web until I found the name of his mother-in-law. I wasn't quite sure if it was her, because I didn't know if there were others with the same name (every town I go to has at least 3 with my name). It was late, so as soon as I woke up the next morning I tried calling the number, but it said disconnected. I figured that couldn't be right (who would post a disconnected number looking for a loved one?), so I started looking up directories for the name listed. Turned out the area code was just transposed.
When I called, I found out how worried they'd been about him. Every little thing I told him (we'd fed him barbecued chicken the night before and were bringing him back over for ribs) would be followed by a repeat from his neice, and a huge cheer in the background.
Apparently, his mother-in-law had managed to find family in Baltimore and his wife somehow ended up in Galveston. He was evacuated (couldn't bring his 2 puppies), and wasn't even told where he was going until the plane was in the air. (I guess this had something to do with the evacuees who were told they were being sent to Utah that decided to get off the plane).
Tonight I brought him back to my place and we called his family. His wife told me about a dozen times that she loves me (probably told HIM more times than that that she loves him!), and after a bit of discussion about where to go from here, he relented and decided he'd join her in Galveston. (although he says he never wants to see water again!) We'll see him off, but it's just such a great feeling to be able to help him that little bit.
I'm sure if I hadn't done anything, he'd eventually have found his way back to his family, but it would have taken longer without the miracle of the internet, and a little compassion. His family no longer needs to worry whether he's alive or gone, and he can rest easy knowing that they're found.
It's so good to hear positive stories! It's great that you could help.
Nann
That's wonderful. I feel sure that the family reunions are meaning more to these people than any of the material things. . In message , Mystified One writes
Bless you for your kindness to someone who was once a stranger and is now a friend.
Great story! You'll be blessed many times over. I had to laugh about the evacuees getting off the plane when hearing it was headed to Utah. Iowa is all ready to accept evacuees, but no one is coming. Iowa?? Where's that???? :-)
We got a bus load of evacuees in Davenport the other day. Maybe others just don't want to be so close to Hawkeye country???
Mary
Apparently no one wants to come to Minnesota either. We were told to expect at least 3000 this week. Now it's down to maybe 350. Apparently we're too far north.
Julia in MN
Same with California. The big church here is all set up as a shelter with cots nicely in a row. Then the message came from FEMA that we are too far away from the evacuees old homes so no one was coming. Shelter is still set up just in case though.
marcella
So glad you were able to help him.
You're an angel to have done this for him! I'm so glad at least one more family is being reunited.
Don't feel alone! We were to have several hundred come here, and most of them refused, saying they didn't want to be so far from home. Poor things. :( I hear we're still to get more, but I suspect that they either aren't being told where they're going or that these like the idea of Las Vegas. It's so hard for them all!
You warmed my heart with your story. One persons efforts to help one man touched so many more. Bless you.
You also made me laugh. Utah.......hummmmm
Mary
I wept as I read this. God bless you and them.
We're still getting folks every day.
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